1. Introduction
Just 24 hours ago, a major storm system swept across the Midwest, causing widespread damage to traditional wood and vinyl siding—but homes with metal clad exteriors emerged largely unscathed. This real-world resilience has sparked renewed interest in metal cladding as both a stylish and durable solution for modern homes. Whether you’re building a new metal clad house or upgrading an existing one, understanding how to properly install and maintain your metal clad wall system is essential for long-term performance and curb appeal.
Metal clad doesn’t just refer to one product—it’s an umbrella term covering everything from corrugated steel facade panels to sleek vertical standing seam metal siding, copper siding, and even aluminum clad steel sheets. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the practical steps to install and care for these systems, while naturally weaving in key considerations like clad metal meaning, material compatibility, and cost-effective maintenance.
2. Choosing the Right Metal Clad Material
Before you pick up a drill or order materials, identify your climate, budget, and aesthetic goals. Popular options include corten steel siding (known for its rust-like patina), zinc metal siding (low-maintenance and elegant), and colorbond standing seam systems (ideal for modern metal clad roofs and walls). For coastal areas, aluminum clad steel or stainless clad aluminum resists salt corrosion better than mild steel plate. If sustainability matters, look into recycled-content options like pac clad standing seam roof panels or zinc clad dormer systems.
- Corten steel siding cost typically ranges from $8–$15 per sq. ft., but its self-protecting oxide layer reduces long-term upkeep.
- Aluminum clad sheet and aluminum diamond tread plate offer lightweight durability, especially for accent walls or trim.
- For historic renovations, consider metal weatherboard profiles that mimic traditional wood but with the strength of steel plate.
3. Step-by-Step Installation of a Metal Clad Wall
Proper installation prevents leaks, thermal bridging, and premature wear. Start by ensuring your substrate—usually plywood or OSB—is flat, dry, and covered with a high-quality weather-resistive barrier (WRB). Never attach metal directly to framing without insulation or a drainage gap.
First, install vertical furring strips (typically 1×2 or 2×2 wood or metal) over the WRB to create an air cavity. This allows moisture to escape and supports your chosen metal clad type. Next, cut your panels using metal sheet cutting tools—diamond plate steel sheets or thin-gauge aluminum require different blades than thick steel plate.
Begin at the bottom corner and work upward. For standing seam siding, use concealed clips; for corrugated steel facade panels, pre-drill holes to avoid splitting and use neoprene-washed fasteners compatible with your metal (e.g., stainless steel for copper or zinc). Overlap panels according to manufacturer specs—usually 1.5 to 2 inches—and seal all penetrations with butyl tape or compatible sealant.
Don’t forget accessories: pac clad coping, pac clad column covers, and pac clad hwp trim pieces ensure clean transitions at edges, corners, and rooflines.
4. Common Problems and How to Fix Them
Even the best-installed metal clad wall can face issues over time. Here are frequent problems and their fixes:
- Rust spots on steel plate: Caused by scratches exposing bare metal. Sand lightly, apply a rust converter, then touch up with matching paint or clear sealant. For corten steel plate, minor rust is normal—it stabilizes into a protective layer.
- Loose panels or rattling in wind: Often due to undersized fasteners or thermal expansion. Replace with longer screws and ensure proper spacing for movement—especially critical with aluminum clad steel, which expands more than steel.
- Condensation behind cladding: Indicates poor ventilation or missing vapor barrier. Add vented soffits or retrofit a rainscreen gap if possible.
- Fading or chalking on painted systems: Use only coatings rated for metal exteriors. Repaint with high-quality acrylic or PVDF finishes designed for aluminum or steel substrates.
5. Maintenance Tips to Extend Lifespan
Metal clad exteriors are low-maintenance but not zero-maintenance. Rinse your metal clad siding annually with a garden hose to remove salt, pollen, or pollution buildup—especially important for zinc facade or copper siding, which rely on natural patinas.
Inspect fasteners and seams every spring. Tighten any loose screws and replace corroded ones with stainless steel equivalents. For homes near industrial zones, check for acid rain damage on mild steel plate or boiler plate steel surfaces.
If you’ve used aluminum clad pipe insulation or metal clad insulation behind walls, ensure no moisture is trapped—condensation here can lead to hidden mold or corrosion on electrical components like metal clad wire or cu clad wire.
6. Conclusion
Installing and maintaining a metal clad wall system is a smart investment in durability, aesthetics, and energy efficiency. By selecting the right clad metals—whether it’s a corten steel facade, zinc clad roof, or vertical standing seam metal siding—and following best practices for installation and upkeep, your metal clad house will stand strong against weather, time, and trends. Remember: the key to success lies not just in the material itself, but in thoughtful detailing, proper flashing, and regular check-ups.
Our Website founded on October 17, 2012, is a high-tech enterprise committed to the research and development, production, processing, sales and technical services of ceramic relative materials such as How. Our products includes but not limited to Boron Carbide Ceramic Products, Boron Nitride Ceramic Products, Silicon Carbide Ceramic Products, Silicon Nitride Ceramic Products, Zirconium Dioxide Ceramic Products, etc. If you are interested, please feel free to contact us.